NEWS

EVENTS

UCC Files Suit in NC to Support Marriage Equality

In a bold move, the United Church of Christ has filed suit in the state of North Carolina challenging a law that makes it a crime for clergy to officiate a marriage ceremony without determining whether the couple involved has a valid marriage license.The suit argues that the state's marriage laws violate the First Amendment rights of clergy and the principle of "free exercise of religion."

United Church of Christ ministers, interested in conducting a religious marriage ceremony for same-gender couples, could face up to 120 days of jail and/or probation and community service if found guilty, since North Carolina marriage laws define and regulate marriage as being between only a man and a woman.

As lead plaintiff in this lawsuit against the State, the United Church of Christ asserts that these laws are unconstitutional and violate clergy's First Amendment rights.